Pentamide 6

What Is Pentamide 6 in Skincare?

"Pentamide 6" is how this ingredient is often written, but its trade name is Peptamide 6, and its INCI name is Hexapeptide-11. It is a six-amino-acid sequence (phenylalanine, valine, alanine, proline, phenylalanine, proline) first found in yeast fermentation, used in serums to support the look of firmer, more elastic skin. Cell studies show it switches on the skin cell's own housekeeping and antioxidant systems, and it was measured to improve skin elasticity in a human test.

Pentamide 6 (Peptamide 6) Quick Facts

How Pentamide 6 Works on the Skin

Skin's bounce comes from elastin and collagen fibers made by fibroblasts in the dermis. As we age, these cells build up damaged proteins and oxidative stress, they work less efficiently, and skin looks less firm and more lined. Most firming peptides are described as "signal" peptides that tell fibroblasts to make more matrix. Hexapeptide-11 is interesting because the research points to a different job: helping the cell keep itself clean and resilient.

In a 2015 study in Redox Biology, Sklirou and colleagues applied hexapeptide-11 to normal human skin and lung fibroblasts. They measured:

• No significant toxicity to the cells.
• Dose- and time-dependent activation of genes for the proteasome and autophagy (the cell's systems for clearing damaged proteins), chaperones, and antioxidant responses, along with more Nrf2, a master switch for antioxidant defenses, in the cell nucleus.
• Protection of the cells against oxidative-stress-induced premature aging (senescence).
• In human volunteers, an improvement in skin elasticity measured with a skin deformation test.

The cell findings are lab results, and the human test was small, so we describe Peptamide 6 as a supporting firming ingredient that works best in a multi-peptide formula. That is exactly how we use it: alongside Matrixyl 3000 and Syn-Coll for the look of fullness, and Argireline, Leuphasyl, and Snap-8 for the look of expression lines.

How to Use Pentamide 6

• Apply a Peptamide 6 serum to clean skin on the face and neck, morning and night, before moisturizer.
• Give it time. Firming peptides are judged over 8-12 weeks of consistent twice-daily use.
• It pairs well with other peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.
• If you use strong acids or high-strength L-ascorbic acid (very low pH), apply them at a different time of day from your peptide serum so the peptides stay in a comfortable pH range.
• Use daily sunscreen; UV exposure is the biggest driver of lost firmness.

Formulating Notes

• Add hexapeptide-11 solutions or powder to the water phase at cool-down, below 40°C (104°F). Peptides do not like prolonged heat.
• Follow your supplier's rate for the grade you buy. A pure powder (0.001-0.01%) and a diluted trade-name solution are used at very different percentages, so never swap one rate for the other.
• Keep the final pH between about 4.5 and 7, and use a broad-spectrum preservative.
• Store finished serums in airless or opaque packaging, away from heat.

Who Pentamide 6 Suits

Peptamide 6 suits all skin types and is especially useful for mature skin and anyone wanting a firmer, bouncier look without injections. If you have sensitive skin, patch test first (inner arm, 24 hours) and start at the lowest rate in the range, then work up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hexapeptide-11?

Hexapeptide-11 is a six-amino-acid sequence, FVAPFP, first found in yeast fermentation. In skincare it is used to support the look of firmer, more elastic skin.

Is Pentamide 6 the same as Peptamide 6?

Yes. Peptamide 6 is the trade name, and Pentamide 6 is a common misspelling. Both refer to hexapeptide-11 on an ingredient list.

What does hexapeptide-11 do for skin?

It is used for the look of firmer, bouncier skin. In a 2015 study, it activated cell-cleaning and antioxidant systems in cultured fibroblasts, and a skin elasticity improvement was measured in human volunteers.

Is hexapeptide-11 natural or synthetic?

It was first isolated from Saccharomyces yeast fermentation. The same amino acid sequence is now also made by solid-state synthesis, which gives consistent purity.

How much hexapeptide-11 should be in a serum?

Pure powder is used at 0.001-0.01%, while diluted trade-name solutions are used at far higher percentages. Our Super Peptide Anti-Aging Serum contains 24% Peptamide 6 solution.

Can I use hexapeptide-11 with retinol or vitamin C?

Yes. It layers well with retinol, antioxidants, and other peptides. Apply very low-pH vitamin C or strong acids at a different time of day from your peptide serum.

How long does it take to see results from peptides?

Allow 8-12 weeks of consistent twice-daily use to judge a change in the look of firmness. Daily sunscreen helps protect your results.

Is hexapeptide-11 good for sensitive skin?

It showed no significant toxicity to skin cells in the lab and is generally well tolerated. Patch test any new serum on the inner arm for 24 hours first.

Shop Pentamide 6 Products

Find 24% Peptamide 6 in our Super Peptide Anti-Aging Serum, combined with seven more peptides. Learn about its partners on our Matrixyl 3000 and anti-aging peptides pages, and see Top Anti-Aging Serums: Peptides and Antioxidants for a full guide.

Sources

• Sklirou AD, Ralli M, Dominguez M, Papassideri I, Skaltsounis AL, Trougakos IP. Hexapeptide-11 is a novel modulator of the proteostasis network in human diploid fibroblasts. Redox Biol. 2015;5:205-215. Open access record
• Happi. Arch patents anti-aging composition (Peptamide 6, a product of fermentation with Saccharomyces yeast; U.S. Patent 6,461,857). December 9, 2005. Happi

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About the Author
Written by Kari Thomas, cosmetic formulator and founder of Skin Perfection.